Name: Sfogliatelle Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: PT-488643H53M25S
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup butter; 1 cup ricotta cheese; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 egg yolk (for sealing the dough)

If there’s one pastry that instantly sweeps me away to the sun-drenched streets of Naples, it’s Sfogliatelle. These golden, shell-shaped delights boast a wonderfully crisp and flaky exterior, perfectly encasing a dreamy, sweetened ricotta filling kissed with vanilla. Whether you’re enjoying them with your morning coffee or showcasing them at a brunch spread, Sfogliatelle always impress with their enchanting layers and irresistible flavor. It’s a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth and a love for Italian classics!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of making Sfogliatelle lies in its harmonious blend of simple ingredients. Each one plays an essential part, giving these pastries their unmistakable texture and rich flavor profile.

All-purpose flour: The backbone of the dough, providing structure and elasticity for those signature flaky layers.
Butter: Adds richness and helps create the irresistible, crisp, multi-layered shell.
Ricotta cheese: A luscious, creamy filling base offering mild sweetness and traditional texture.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens the ricotta filling while keeping it beautifully silky and smooth.
Vanilla extract: Brings a warm, aromatic note that elevates the entire filling.
Egg yolk: Acts as the perfect sealant, helping to lock in the filling and giving the edges of the pastry a golden finish.
Pinch of salt: Enhances the flavors across the dough without stealing the spotlight.

How to Make Sfogliatelle

Step 1: Make the Dough

In a large bowl, blend the all-purpose flour, butter, and a pinch of salt. Gently knead the mixture until a smooth, supple dough forms. Don’t rush this step: take your time to work the butter through the flour, as this is what creates the delightfully crisp and flaky texture unique to Sfogliatelle. A proper knead ensures every bite delivers that coveted crunch.

Step 2: Roll and Shape the Pastry

Once your dough has rested, roll it out thinly on a lightly floured surface. You’re aiming for sheets almost translucent—this is key for the signature layers. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut the dough into rectangles. The thinner the sheets, the more delicate and ethereal the final pastry shells will be.

Step 3: Prepare the Ricotta Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is creamy and completely smooth. This sweetened ricotta will become the very heart of your Sfogliatelle, so make sure to taste and adjust for balanced sweetness and heavenly aroma.

Step 4: Fill and Fold

Place a generous spoonful of your ricotta mixture onto the center of each dough rectangle. Fold the dough over the filling to create a neat pocket, reminiscent of a little shell. Press the edges to seal, using egg yolk as a ‘glue’—this keeps everything contained and helps the pastry edges achieve a lustrous, golden hue.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Transfer your filled pastries to a lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes. As they bake, the kitchen fills with a sweet, buttery aroma. You’ll know your Sfogliatelle are ready when they turn a gorgeous golden color and their shells crisp up into delicately layered perfection.

How to Serve Sfogliatelle

Garnishes

The finishing touches really matter! Dust your Sfogliatelle with a generous snowfall of powdered sugar right before serving for that classic, irresistibly inviting look. For a touch of color, consider a scattering of finely grated orange zest, which offers a nod to Southern Italian traditions and brings out the fragrance of the filling.

Side Dishes

Sfogliatelle shine brilliantly on their own but pair wonderfully with a simple espresso or strong coffee. For a more decadent brunch, serve them alongside a fresh fruit salad or a platter of mixed berries. Their sweetness and texture are a lovely counterpoint to anything light and juicy.

Creative Ways to Present

Why not make your table sing with a bit of presentation flair? Tidily arrange Sfogliatelle on a rustic wooden board or tiered cake stand. For an Italian-inspired centerpiece, surround them with fresh citrus leaves or edible flowers. They also make beautiful edible gifts—just nestle them in a box lined with parchment for a charming treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Sfogliatelle, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The crispness is best enjoyed fresh, but they retain their delicious flavor even the next day. If your home is particularly warm, a cool spot away from any heat source keeps them at their best.

Freezing

Sfogliatelle freeze surprisingly well! After baking, allow them to cool completely, then place into airtight freezer-safe bags. Freeze for up to one month. To avoid sticking, separate layers with parchment. When you’re ready for a treat, there’s no need to thaw—just reheat from frozen for that freshly baked feel.

Reheating

To bring back the irresistible crispness, pop leftover or frozen Sfogliatelle in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as this can soften their prized flaky layers. Baking them briefly transforms even day-old pastries back into warm, crunchy bliss.

FAQs

Can I make Sfogliatelle dough in advance?

Absolutely! Prepare the dough a day ahead and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Let it come to room temperature before rolling out, which makes shaping and handling easier while retaining flakiness.

Is it possible to use mascarpone instead of ricotta in the filling?

While classic Sfogliatelle are filled with ricotta, mascarpone can be a fun twist for an extra creamy and rich flavor. Just know it will change the texture and taste slightly, so feel free to experiment!

Why are my pastries not as flaky as bakery Sfogliatelle?

Achieving those delicate, multilayered shells takes patience: roll the dough extra thin and ensure the butter is evenly distributed. Don’t skimp on dough resting time, and keep your oven properly preheated for a perfect bake.

Do I have to use powdered sugar on top?

Powdered sugar is traditional for finishing Sfogliatelle, but you can try other light toppings, such as a brushing of honey or a grating of citrus zest for an aromatic spin. The sugar, though, is timeless!

Can I add chocolate or citrus peel to the filling?

Definitely! Mini chocolate chips, candied orange, or even a grating of lemon zest are popular mix-ins for the ricotta filling. They add delicious pockets of flavor that make each bite uniquely delightful.

Final Thoughts

Every time you bake a batch of Sfogliatelle, you’re bringing a touch of Southern Italy right into your home. Don’t be intimidated by their beauty—these pastries are as fun to make as they are to share. Gather your ingredients, embrace a little kitchen adventure, and treat yourself to the flaky, creamy bliss of homemade Sfogliatelle. You’ll be amazed by just how special they are, one irresistible layer at a time!